DuroStar DS4000S Gas Powered Portable Generator Review

The DuroStar DS4000S is a mid-range generator regarding both power and price. It provides a maximum output of 4000 watts while its mid-weight makes it an excellent choice for homeowners looking for compactness and fuel efficiency.

Its 3300 running watt range provides a good portable power supply source.

The generator can operate anything from air compressors and air conditioners, to essential home power needs such as lights, televisions, and fridges. The generator is one of the consumers' favorites as it delivers utility for its price and features.

This makes it one of the best-selling portable generators on today’s market.

Engine and Power

The DuroStar DS4000S uses a 7-horsepower air-cooled OHV 208cc gas engine that pumps out a total of 3300 running watts and 4000 surge watts. This amount of both surge and running watts enable the generator to be efficient for appliances that do not require a lot of power such as sump pumps, fridges, and air conditioners.

This generator uses the standard unleaded gas having a tank capacity of almost 4 gallons.

The engine is also equipped with a low oil protection system that shuts off the engine to prevent damage. Furthermore, a spark arrestor also prolongs the unit’s lifespan by protecting the motor.

Supported Loads

The rated output is 3300 watts AC providing 20 and 30 amps at 120V at the 3-prong and twist lock outlets respectively. The generator offers 60Hz of power generation and is ideal for the US market.

In details, the DS4000S has:

Two 120V 20-Amp outlets

One 120V 30-Amp receptacle

Runtime

This portable generator provides an efficient operation time of up to eight hours working on a half load. However, when powering simple home appliances, such as a home lighting system or a television, it can provide an extended runtime of up to 13 hours. This makes it an efficient power supply source.

The generator has the advantage of an easy to check fuel gauge which keeps the user aware of the fuel level, promoting utility.

Build

DuroStar DS4000S boasts a sturdy construction comprising a heavy-duty steel frame with isolated motor mounts. The tank is also made of all steel which helps protect against degradation, giving it long-term durability. The generator also comes with an inbuilt fuel gauge for easy monitoring of the fuel. This comes in handy to avoid engine damage.

A wheel kit sold separately adds mobility to the unit. This kit makes the generator super portable and can be used by almost everyone even the elderly citizens who find it difficult to lift hefty loads.

Overall, the generator measures 27 x 20 x 22 inches and weighs about 94lbs. The size and weight make it easy to move around and can be quite useful for both home use and camping.

The DuroStar DS4000S has a manual start that uses a non-contact transistor set up. This is primarily due to its small size and budget pricing. Unfortunately, the DS4000S doesn't possess spark arrestors.

Features

The generator comes with additional features which improve user-device interaction and operations. These features include:

Lever switch breaker

Grounding terminal

Low-oil alert lamp

Volt meter

Noise Level

The DuroStar DS4000S comes equipped with a muffler system that reduces the noise level to a bearable 69 decibels. This sound level can allow for easy conversation between people close to it and ensures comfort during prolonged use.

In broad lines, the generator is quieter than a vacuum cleaner.

Consumer Reviews

The generator has a proper receivership among consumers citing its affordable price, utility, durability, and reliability. The recoil start doesn’t seem to be a problem for most users thanks to a hassle-free ignition.

However, there were several complaints. The biggest complaint was that of oil fill and drain. The process of oil refilling and draining is a rather painful experience due to the awkward positioning of the valves. In fact, the operation requires an angled funnel and adopting an odd posture.

A praised feature is the unit’s size which makes it ideal for powering up an RV; however, the unit lacks an RV receptacle, and you’ll only be able to power up your vehicle if you invest in a proper adapter.

Pros & Cons

PROS

The generator provides adequate 120V AC power with duplex plugs and twist-lock receptacle. DuroStar DS4000S is perfect for running light home appliances such as computers, lighting, television, and the fridge among others.

The generator is relatively easy to start, operate and use. Although it doesn’t have an electric starter, the recoil system boasts a hassle-free start in almost all conditions. It is also compact, which makes it easy to use and store.

A convenient wheel kit makes moving it around quite easy. Another nice feature is the fuel gauge that is easy to read. This makes it easy to know the level of fuel and refill the generator well on time before it goes off, improving your user experience.

Thanks to the excellent power supply of 3300 running watts and a surge of 4000 watts, the generator is the perfect power source for someone who moves around a lot.

CONS

The DS4000S is incompatible with the 240V systems, and this is quite limiting. The process of oil fill is also tiresome due to the need for a funnel to avoid oil spillage. This makes it difficult for people without the right technical knowledge to use this generator more efficiently.

The generator also lacks a watt and an amp meter. You’ll need an external meter to measure its actual output, which means investing in another tool. The runtime is also less pleasing when compared to other models. However, this is predictable on a compact generator designed for occasional use. Given the unit’s efficiency, this is a great machine if runtime is the least of your worries.

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